Investigators and skiptracers needing fast and free whitepages lookups of published phone numbers might want to know about Google's phone book. But don't click around their website trying to find it because there is no link to it!

Here's how it works:

First, go to Google. Don't look for a special page like is used for Google maps, images, blogs and the rest. Rather, at the main Google search page, type the following in the search box:

Businesses listings are not included and the residential data is dated and doesn't reflect recent changes in listings. Regardless, its super fast, free and is a good option when slightly older data will do. UPDATE: Google discontinued this service November 2010.

Robert Scott is a Los Angeles-based private investigator and author of "The Investigator's Little Black Book." Reprint permission.